Standing Up for What's Right: Student’s Girl Scout Gold Award Promotes Menstrual Equity Through Camp

Many students rely on school menstrual product dispensers during unexpected situations, yet these extremely essential resources + dispensers are often overlooked. When I noticed that the dispensers on my campus were outdated, frequently empty, and still displayed the 25¢ labels from before California's AB 367 made menstrual products free in public schools, I knew something needed to change.

So, for my Girl Scout Gold Award, I chose to advocate for menstrual equity and equal access to feminine hygiene products!

Rather than simply replacing the dispensers, I wanted to address the larger issue of ensuring students had consistent, reliable access to these products. I began by raising awareness about the condition of the existing machines and advocating for community support to create a lasting solution. By sharing the importance of this issue with local organizations, school clubs, community members, and adults who wanted to support the cause, I was able to raise the funding needed to make my project possible.

We were able to successfully replace the outdated dispensers with new, functioning ones and make these free products more accessible to our students!

Finally, to ensure the project creates lasting change, I also worked with custodial staff to establish ongoing maintenance and restocking of the dispensers.

Although the project has received positive feedback since the new dispensers were installed, I hope its greatest impact is demonstrating the power of advocacy. If you ever notice something in your community that needs to change, don't be afraid to speak up and stand up for what's right! My hope is that others will turn advocacy into action, because one person willing to raise their voice can inspire change and end up benefiting an entire community!